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North Dakota judge weighs decision in Beef Commission membership lawsuit
Ranchers say the law gives favored groups control over nine commission seats and $1.5 million in annual beef checkoff revenue.
- On Monday, South Central Judicial District Judge Jackson Lofgren heard arguments regarding a lawsuit challenging the appointment process for the North Dakota Beef Commission. The Ranchers Rights Initiative claims the law unfairly favors the North Dakota Stockmen's Association.
- Directors Kenneth Graner, Michael Heaton, and Jeremy Maher argue the law creates a "closed class" for producer positions, effectively excluding outsiders from the board that oversees cattle sale fees.
- Defending the statute, Special Assistant Attorney General Zachary Pelham argued it provides "meaningful at-large access" to the Beef Commission. He noted the state has supported at least 16 people for at-large positions since 2009.
- Following Monday's hearing, Judge Lofgren took the matter under advisement and canceled the August court trial. The state seeks dismissal, citing a three-year statute of limitations barring the challengers' claims.
- Appointed by Republican Gov. Kelly Armstrong, the nine-member Beef Commission manages funds from $2 per head cattle sales. It raised more than $1.5 million in assessment revenue during the 2024-2025 period.
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North Dakota judge weighs decision in Beef Commission membership lawsuit
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